Evaluating criteria weights of street tree selection between residents and experts

Selecting suitable street trees is critical for avoiding these problems of street trees. Resident experiences should be considered in street tree selection to improve effective management because resident preferences tend to differ from those of street tree managers. This study aimed to explore the criteria for street tree selection by residents and compare the criteria between residents and experts. This study implemented two studies to achieve the study purpose. Study 1 used exploratory factor analysis to explore the factors and items of street tree selection from residents. This study assessed the items of initial factors and street tree selection through 124 valid questionnaires. The results indicated that the seven common factors of street tree selection included public health and safety, maintenance and management, fallen flowers and fruits, visual landscapes, functional requirements, growth characteristics, and flower characteristics. According to the factors and items of Study 1, Study 2 evaluated and compared criteria weights of street tree selection between residents and experts through the analytical hierarchy process. Ten student samples from each expert and public group were surveyed. Public health and safety, maintenance and management, and fallen fruits accounted for 68 and 71% of the total weights in the expert and public groups, respectively. The public group had significant concerns about fallen fruits, pods, and seeds, which should be carefully considered when selecting street trees. Designers and managers of landscape and planting engineering should consider weight scores to select the appropriate street tree species.